The Vauxhall Monterey Mk II, specifically the 3-door facelifted version produced from 1998 to 1999, represents a relatively short-lived but notable iteration of Vauxhall’s foray into the mid-size SUV segment. While not widely recognized in the United States, the Monterey held a position as a capable and somewhat luxurious off-roader within the European market, particularly in the United Kingdom. It was based on the Isuzu Trooper/Bighorn, a result of the close collaboration between Vauxhall (then part of General Motors) and Isuzu. The Monterey Mk II aimed to offer a blend of practicality, comfort, and off-road ability, appealing to buyers seeking a versatile vehicle for both daily driving and recreational pursuits.
Vauxhall Monterey Mk II: Overview and Market Position
The Monterey Mk II facelift, introduced in 1998, brought subtle styling updates and refinements to the existing model. It continued to be offered with a range of engines, but the 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine, producing 215 horsepower, became a prominent offering. This engine, coupled with an automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, was intended to provide a smooth and capable driving experience. The 3-door configuration, while less common than the 5-door version, catered to buyers prioritizing a more compact footprint and a sportier aesthetic. The Monterey competed with other mid-size SUVs like the Mitsubishi Pajero, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, and Nissan Patrol in the European market.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 1998-1999 Vauxhall Monterey Mk II (3 dr) facelift was the 6VE1 3.5-liter V6 engine. This naturally aspirated, 24-valve engine delivered 215 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 310 Nm (228.64 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3000 rpm. The engine featured multi-port fuel injection and an overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain. The longitudinal engine layout contributed to a balanced weight distribution, enhancing handling characteristics. Paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission and a full-time all-wheel-drive system, the Monterey offered respectable performance. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took approximately 11.3 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph was achieved in around 10.7 seconds. The Monterey’s top speed was electronically limited to 180 km/h (111.85 mph). The power-to-weight ratio of 8.7 kg/Hp and torque-to-weight ratio of 6 kg/Nm indicated a reasonably responsive vehicle for its size and class. Fuel economy, however, was a notable drawback, with urban consumption reaching 18.7 l/100 km (12.6 US mpg) and extra-urban consumption at 10.7 l/100 km (22 US mpg).
Design & Features
The Monterey Mk II (3 dr) was a traditional SUV in terms of its body-on-frame construction, prioritizing robustness and off-road capability. The 3-door configuration offered a more compact profile compared to the 5-door model. The vehicle could comfortably seat five passengers. Key design features included a relatively boxy silhouette, large windows for good visibility, and a rear-mounted spare tire. The facelifted model received minor cosmetic updates, including revised front and rear fascias. Inside, the Monterey offered a functional and reasonably well-equipped interior, although the materials were not particularly luxurious. Standard features typically included power steering, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels. The Monterey’s spacious interior provided ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The trunk offered a minimum capacity of 769 liters (27.16 cu. ft.), expanding to a substantial 2069 liters (73.07 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s 85-liter (22.45 US gal) fuel tank provided a reasonable driving range.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Monterey |
| Generation | Monterey Mk II (3 dr) (facelift 1998) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.5 V6 24V (215 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1998 |
| End of production | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 18.7 l/100 km (12.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 10.7 l/100 km (22 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 215 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Torque | 310 Nm @ 3000 rpm (228.64 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 6VE1 |
| Engine displacement | 3494 cm3 (213.22 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 93.4 mm (3.68 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 85 mm (3.35 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.3 l (5.6 US qt | 4.66 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.5 l (8.98 US qt | 7.48 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1865 kg (4111.62 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2600 kg (5732.02 lbs.) |
| Max load | 735 kg (1620.4 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 769 l (27.16 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2069 l (73.07 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 85 l (22.45 US gal | 18.7 UK gal) |
| Length | 4365 mm (171.85 in.) |
| Width | 1835 mm (72.24 in.) |
| Height | 1830 mm (72.05 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2330 mm (91.73 in.) |
| Front track | 1515 mm (59.65 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1520 mm (59.84 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Torsion |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/80 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
The Vauxhall Monterey Mk II, while not a long-lived model, represents an interesting chapter in Vauxhall’s SUV history. Its blend of off-road capability, comfortable interior, and relatively powerful engine made it a viable option for buyers in the European market seeking a versatile and capable vehicle.
